Unleashing Europe’s offshore wind potential

The recently published report "Unleashing Europe’s offshore wind potential - A new resource assessment" developed by BVG Associates for WindEurope points towards the considerable offshore wind energy potential in Europe.

In two policy scenarios the economically attractive resource potential and location for lowest cost resource are assessed:

baseline scenario - based on current policy frameworks and assumptions about future policy taking into account recent cost reductions - and an

upside scenario - based on what the industry could deliver if governments respond positively to cost reductions, and if there are positive developments on grid access, market support mechanisms, site development and supply chain development

Offshore wind energy is expected to produce 7% to 11% of the EU’s electricity demand by 2030 according to WindEurope, which is only a fraction of what could actually be achieved. The report calls upon governments to ensure that the resource potential of OWE in the European sea basins is exploited.